Hunter 326 Autopilot

[OCSailor]

I'm looking at a 2004 H326 without an autopilot and basic electronics (Raymarine depth and speed and a Garmin GPS plotter). For any who have installed an autopilot on this boat, did you encounter any difficulties? What did you put in?

This is preliminary, as I haven't done my research on the different systems that are available yet...

Suggestions?

Richard

 

[sail sfbay]

My friend's H326 has a Raymarine wheel autopilot. All the H326's I saw on the internet had Raymarine wheel autopilots including this Hunter 326: Hunter 326 for sale in for P.O.A.

I installed a Raymarine wheel autopilot on my Hunter 31 ($1000 in 2010), which had a similar displacement to your Hunter 326. My Hunter 386 had a Raymarine ST6001+ hydraulic linear drive and my Hunter 46 has a Raymarine ST7001 linear drive. The linear drives are quiet, designed for heavier displacement boat and cost significantly more than a wheel autopilot such as a Raymarine EV-100 p70 wheel pilot pack ($1377 on amazon), which is reportedly suitable for up to 16,000 pounds displacement, and higher cost to install.

I am happy with Raymarine products, however there are other autopilot suppliers out there. Below are links to some autopilot articles you might find interesting:

The 10 Best Marine Autopilots [Updated List|2023] | Slashdigit

Looking for the best marine autopilots to help you navigate the open waters with ease? Check out our top recommendations in this comprehensive guide.

www.slashdigit.com

Modern Sailboat Autopilots | Cruising World

CW's electronics editor, David Schmidt, takes a look at what's new in sailboat autopilots for 2019.

www.cruisingworld.com

Selecting an Autopilot | West Marine

West Marine is committed to outfitting your life on the water. With over 250 store locations, 100,000 products in stock, and knowledgeable Associates, trust West Marine for your boating, sailing, fishing, or paddling needs. Shop with confidence - get free shipping to home or stores + price match...

www.westmarine.com

CPT autopilot opinions - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

I started a thread on this to keep from hijacking the other thread as this is one model specific. What I'm asking is how many people have experience with this model of autopilot ? What were it's

www.cruisersforum.com

 

[OCSailor]

My friend's H326 has a Raymarine wheel autopilot. All the H326's I saw on the internet had Raymarine wheel autopilots including this Hunter 326: Hunter 326 for sale in for P.O.A.

I am happy with Raymarine products, however there are other autopilot suppliers out there. Below are links to some autopilot articles you might find interesting:

The 10 Best Marine Autopilots [Updated List|2023] | Slashdigit

Looking for the best marine autopilots to help you navigate the open waters with ease? Check out our top recommendations in this comprehensive guide.

www.slashdigit.com

Modern Sailboat Autopilots | Cruising World

CW's electronics editor, David Schmidt, takes a look at what's new in sailboat autopilots for 2019.

www.cruisingworld.com

Selecting an Autopilot | West Marine

West Marine is committed to outfitting your life on the water. With over 250 store locations, 100,000 products in stock, and knowledgeable Associates, trust West Marine for your boating, sailing, fishing, or paddling needs. Shop with confidence - get free shipping to home or stores + price match...

www.westmarine.com

CPT autopilot opinions - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

I started a thread on this to keep from hijacking the other thread as this is one model specific. What I'm asking is how many people have experience with this model of autopilot ? What were it's

www.cruisersforum.com

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I'd read the WM article and the CPT thread, but I'll take a look at the others.

Spent 90 minutes inspecting the boat today and, while it's in pretty great condition, the salon seems pretty cramped. I kept banging into things and I don't recall doing that in other boats in this size range. I may have to re-visit the other one to see if it was selective memory.

Thanks again.

 

[Benny17441]

I installed a Raymarine wheel autopilot on an h320, similar boat. Installed the compass in the ceiling of the stern berth. The rudder position sensor was installed under the cockpit sole which slides off once the bolts on the stern are removed.